The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is for those who are interested in working in the early childhood services sector, or who are already working in the field and are responsible for planning, implementing and managing programs in early childhood services. At this level, workers have responsibility for the supervision of staff and volunteers.

In most states this is the highest qualification required at director or service manager level for early childhood service centre-based care.
The course includes on-campus and online classes, as well as multiple work placements.
This course reflects the role of early childhood educators who are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services, within the approved learning framework requirements of the Education and Care Services, national regulations and the National Quality Standards.

Current work placement is 360 hours over the course duration. Current work placement for students holding an international student visa, who have completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113), is approximately 240 hours.
Students who complete the course may be eligible for significant credits in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (BA-EDECP), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) [Online delivery] (BA-EDUEC2), Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BA-EDUPRI1) and Bachelor of Education (Primary) [Online delivery] (BA-EDUPRI).

Applicants who have successfully completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) may be eligible for up to 16 credits towards the 28 units of the diploma qualification.
Students holding an international student visa are required to complete the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) before commencing the diploma.

Career opportunities
Employment may be found as a fully qualified professional in early childhood services with responsibilities for education and care for children under six years of age.
Aims and objectives
The qualification enables early childhood education and care workers to operate at a qualified level in early childhood education and care, and graded assessment will assist with entry into early childhood degree courses.